Promises to Myself (with giveaway)

Last year was a big one for me. My debut historical, IN A TREACHEROUS COURT, came out with Simon & Schuster, and I got inducted into the life of a published author. It was fun, it was scary, and it was wild. And what I found was that I spent a long time getting to grips with the non-writing side of it all. I definitely did not write at the same level of output as I usually do last year. This year, I plan to change that. I’ve set my minimum page count for the day, and I intend to stick with it. I might even make myself report to Edie and Liz just to make sure I do it.

Not only that, but my next book, KEEPER OF THE KING’S SECRETS, is due out on April 3rd this year, and my editor has given me the go ahead to let you all have a sneak peek at the cover. Isn’t it GORGEOUS? Truly? I thought Lisa Latwick had done an amazing job with the cover of IN A TREACHEROUS COURT. I didn’t really see how she could do better than that, and then she did!

And today, I’m happy to say, I think I might finally be typing THE END on a book I’ve been working on for most of 2011. It’s a story I thought up over five years ago, and part of my problem with this book has been that I have seen it in my head in such rich technicolour for so long, nothing but achieving that same vividness would do when writing the book. I’ve rewritten, and reworked and polished and polished. It will feel great to start the new year with a new project, and with the satisfaction that I did my best with the one I’ve just finished.

My new project is already raring to go, and I’ve thought about it for almost as long as the one I just finished. The perfect scenario.

So as you face the year ahead, is there a new project you plan to tackle? Or a good habit (like my minimum writing output) that you plan to go back to, or a bad one you’re determined to kick to the curb?

I’d love to hear what you want to accomplish in 2012, and want to say I hope that 2012 is a wonderful, wonderful year for all our MM readers.

(To celebrate the KEEPER cover goodness, I have an ARC of KEEPER to give away to one commenter, with the hope that if they like it, they’ll spread the word by reviewing it in the reviewing venue of their choice. Will do the draw on Friday.)

About Michelle Diener

Michelle Diener writes historical fiction and fantasy. To find out more about her and her novels, you can visit her website.

33 Responses to Promises to Myself (with giveaway)

OMG, Michelle. That cover is absolutely gorgeous. I think its even nicer than the first … if that’s possible. Good going on setting goals for yourself and stickin’ with ‘em. I wish I could and am going to make a very real effort to do that. Please, please, please send me what you’ve got. I’ve been feelin’ better and can get back into the criticing routine. In fact, I may have three chapters ready for you and Edie to read on my UF. Still very excited about that book … despite the length of time its taking me to crawl through it.

I love the cover, and I love your Tudor books. I’m so eager to read your next one! Some commenter today will be very lucky.

I made a goal to write 1000 words a day, starting Jan. 2nd (when I thought my husband was going back to work, but found out that was still a vacation day). Despite that, I made my 1000 words – only to realize yesterday that my beginning is all wrong and I need to start over. Ack! I like the idea of reporting to each other.

Good going on getting your 1,000 words in, Edie, despite having hubby around … and despite the unfortunate realization the beginning is all wrong. Sorta depressing, IMO.

I agree … I want to start being accountable for my output. Its the only way I’ll be able to give myself that kick in the butt to get the work done. Can’t guaranty 1,000 a day, but I can probably commit to 250 to 500.

I don’t know if this will be a goal as much as it will be an experiment, but I want to focus on shorter stories. My books tend to be more than 80K words, which is fine. But if I want to get more stories out, that means pushing my word count down a tad. Of course, if the story calls for 80K words, then so be it. I won’t sacrfice quality for quantity.

I tend to write shorter books (70K), myself, but they take me just as long as the ones that were 90K took me, so I don’t know if shorter is actually quicker. But great attitude. The book will be what the book will be. No compromise.

My writing goals for 2012 are to make small, attainable goals for myself each month and to keep focused. I tend to scatter my attention like the wind and a result get little done, then cram a bunch of work near deadline. No more!

Love, love that cover! I KNOW you’re going to have a wonderful 2012 career-wise.

I do know where I’m going this year and feel like I have a slightly firmer footing as I walk forward. I’m open to the unexpected but for the most part I’ll be getting my backlog of books up and trying to write steady on something new.

As for length…my books come in two length YAs are 50-60Kish with book 2 in a series being the longer and my RS come in 85-90K. I write the story, the length just seems to settle in naturally her.Dale Mayer`s last blog was …Hide’n Go Seek receives an AWESOME rating!

Wow, lots of congrats Michelle! Congrats on the new cover. It is absolutely gorgeous! Congrats on such a great writing year in 2011. And major congrats on typing The End on your latest book. Woohoo! That is an awesome feeling.

My big project for 2012 is writing a new YA book. The good habit I want to get back into is reading. I didn’t read much at all in 2011. So I am going to get in the habit of reading 1 book per week, which will be a lot more than last year. I may even do a reading week, which I did this year once. I focus on reading, not writing, and read 7 books in a week.

I’m so glad I saw Maria’s post about this as I absolutely love historical fiction and can’t wait to read In a Treacherous Court! The covers of both books are stunning, and I look forward to having them as part of my home library.

Michelle, that cover is awesomeness. I loved Treacherous Court, can’t wait for the new one. I’m hoping for more output this year. I know I can write a lot more than I do now. Nose to grindstone; my motto for this year.Jill James`s last blog was …Blog The Writer – Calisa Rhose

Wow, what a great cover. Love her dress. Love that style, want one of my own. This book looks good and would love to win and read. You are a new author for me and always looking for new stuff to check out. Thanks for the chance to win.

Oh, Michelle! That cover is gorgeous! And a good cover can totally make me buy a book.

This year, I’m drawing back from the madness of social marketing I jumped into last year. Yes, marketing has it’s place and I can see the results of my endless tweeting and FBing and guest blogging, but I’ll admit, I’m tired! I want to immerse myself in writing again and stop the promotion madness for awhile. LOL.

Good luck with your goals and your writing. I hope 2012 is a wonderful year for you!

MM Friday Finds

MM blogger Robin Bielman's novel Yours At Midnight is on special at 99c at the moment. Get it at:Amazon | B&N | iBooks

Michelle Diener is running a contest at the moment. Two winners will each win the Dark Forest series set, consisting of The Golden Apple and The Silver Pear. Click here for more details.

Coming Up

The delightful Terri Meeker, debut author of Not Quite Darcy, story of a modern romance junkie stuck in 1837 London falling for the master of the house, is Mary's guest February 5.

Jamie Farrell writes fun contemporary romances with quirky characters and lots of heart. She believes love and laughter are two of the most powerful forces in the universe, and she infuses both into all of her stories. Jamie will be our guest on 12 February.

Gayle Trent (who also writes as Amanda Lee) will be talking about writing cozy murder mysteries on Feb. 26.

On March 5th we welcome Coreene Callahan, author of the Dragonfury Series, to MM. Coreene is a rabid hockey fan with a love of the great outdoors. More comfortable on a ski slope than in a shopping mall, she spends her days dreaming up and writing high-octane, action-packed paranormal romances.

Jeffe Kennedy, author of the Twelve Kingdoms fantasy romance series and other books, will drop by Magical Musings on May 7.